Morocco dismantles extremist recruitment cell

Morocco dismantles extremist recruitment cell

Morocco dismantles extremist recruitment cell

Sep. 12, 2014

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Morocco has announced the dismantling of a cell involved in recruiting Moroccans to go fight with the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

Friday's statement by the Interior Ministry said the cell was led by an elementary school teacher and based in the central city of Fez. Seven people were arrested.

Police have already dismantled several other recruitment networks over the past few months, most based in Fez.

The ministry says there are 1,212 Moroccans fighting with extremist groups in Iraq and Syria, mostly for the Islamic State group. Authorities have expressed fear that Moroccans fighting abroad may return home to carry out terrorist attacks.